The Twilight Zone #7 – Death in the Illusion of Life

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Henry Wallanowski brings death to life as a taxidermist. From decay and rot comes beauty. What if, though, the pursuit of that one perfect moment consumes you?

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Tony Fleecs
Penciller: Andy Price
Inkers: Andy Price and Maria Keane
Shade Assist: Maria Keane

Writing

Wow, what a mind-bender. Tony Fleecs crafted a true-to-the-bone Twilight Zone adventure. Even when I thought I saw the twist coming, it still surprised me. This issue felt so unique and original. Despite the obvious gore etc associated with taxidermy, I don’t know that in a millions years and given hundreds of chances I would think to craft a horror or suspense story around taxidermy like Fleecs did in this issue.

Fleecs creates with Henry, a character who feels lonely and aloof. Who among us has never felt the impact of a parent asking when something will happen according to their timeline rather than ours? Fleecs draws you in, and makes you feel like you truly know Henry. It makes the surprise ending of this story all the more impactfly

Art

Andy Price and Maria Keane did amazing work on this issue. The storefronts and the community look lifelike and lived in. Because of the focus of the narrative being on taxidermy, Price and Keane needed a severe attention to detail to accurately represent the animals in the story, and they nailed it. The shading helps not only make the lines more crisp, but also helps build the Twilight Zone feel to the story. When you’re relying on a limited color palette as the Twilight Zone series does, it can make it easier for errors and uncrisp lines to stand out. Price and Keane avoid this pitfall with every line, every shadow, every inch of each panel being perfect. The art helps sell this story in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts

IDW has dropped another fabulous entry into The Twilight Zone series. Fleecs, Price, and Keane work together to craft a beautiful narrative of a lonely, misunderstood man that you can’t help but be drawn into. Fleecs takes a unique setting and idea and weaves a spine-tingling narrative around it.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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